Real Madrid 1–3 Barcelona

Barcelona had a lot to play for as they locked horns against Real Madrid for the second El Clasico of the season.

The team was coming off an unconvincing win against Real Betis but the chance to win the first trophy under Xavi evidently had the team motivated.

The Catalans lined up in a 4-3-3 that often changed into a 4-2-3-1 in possession with Pedri acting as the no. 10, and Frenkie de Jong dropping deep alongside Sergio Busquets.

Either way, it worked a charm as Barça ran away champions courtesy of goals from Gavi, Robert Lewandowski, and Pedri.

They remained the masters of the game through the 90, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side restrained to six shots on target. Their compensation came through Karim Benzema, who scored their compensation in the last 20 seconds of play.

Xavi has won the first trophy of his Barcelona tenure, and will be hoping it’s the first of many. Until then, we run the rule on on this near-flawless display from those wearing garnet and blue.